Previously, the wireless adapter for the Xbox One controller only worked with Windows 10.
Here’s some news that some people probably saw coming: the arbitrary Windows 10-only restriction on the Xbox One wireless controller adapter has been lifted, meaning that you’ll be able to use your Xbox One controllers in wireless mode on PCs running Windows 7 and 8. Prior to today, the controllers would still work on the older versions of Windows, but only if they were connected to the PC via a USB cable in “wired” mode.
When Xbox One controller support was first announced for Windows, the Windows 10 exclusivity of the wireless adapter puzzled many, as there seemed to be absolutely no technical reason for it. It most definitely smelled of Microsoft putting just another bullet point on the “reasons to upgrade to Windows 10” checklist, and now with today’s revelation, it seems that was absolutely the case.
Windows 10 is currently available as a free upgrade for anyone who is running Windows 7 or 8 (even pirated versions!) but of course, some people are still hesitant to upgrade for various reasons. The Xbox One wireless controller adapter is available for around $25.
I picked up an Xbox One controller a few weeks ago and i’m loving it. I was a big fan of using the 360 controller on my PC (mostly due to how seamless it interacted with most of my games) and the Xbox One controller is just a flat out upgrade in every regard. I have made the upgrade to Windows 10 (I honestly believe it is worth it), but this is good news for anyone who is still apprehensive of it.
Source: Twitter
